Imaginary

LOL.

I finally found it.. thanks! For those wondering, it's Helvetica, Times New Roman, and Arial (this is much more specific than one of the other pages, which simply states "standard typeface."

Does anyone know if it is acceptable to use a font besides Times New Roman? I know that it has to be 12 point.

Anyone else just sort of freaking out at everything they must do before all the deadlines?

Great; thanks! This is what I've done for other such applications, but I just wanted to make sure. Sorry, everyone, but I have another question .. what is the proper way to enter the proposed institution? As a doctorate degree even though it is not even started, much less earned? ETA: Never mind. I found it.

Did anyone receive letters of affiliation after the deadline? I got one before the deadline, and two after the deadline. Is anyone in the same position? Would it be appropriate to share these letters with the committee if we make the first round of cuts? Or not?

Has anyone considered asking someone at the institution they've listed for the fellowship to write them a letter of recommendation? I have a professor stating interest in my project (if I were to receive the fellowship), but this professor is not familiar with me or my work.

Also, should the letters of reference come from one's home institution, or the one that is nominating?

Can anyone tell me how many letters of reference are required for the Vanier? I am almost certain it is one for leadership, specifically, but how many other letters are required? The website seems somewhat unclear.

Anyone ever have a fee waiver inexplicably and anonymously given? I didn't apply for one. I just don't know what to make of this.

Okay, here's another one - how important is it to mention theory in the SOP if you have demonstrated your capacity to use it in the writing sample?

At this point in the process, I've read over and over again not to try to be "catchy" or "cute" in the lead in to the statement of purpose. That said, what does that mean? If a person has a work or works that have influenced all of their studies and will continue to do so in the future, is it considered effective to introduce the statement of purpose by discussing said works and then relating them to past studies and other interests? Any other tips for SOPs would also be appreciated.

I'm about halfway there, I guess.. I just need to make revisions on my essays, finish filling out the on-line application, and get letters of recommendation from two more people. I've already requested them. It will be my first time applying.

I wish I were. That would make things easier.. but I will already have an M.A. I am only looking for PhD programs. Thanks, though! I should have been more specific.

I hate to ask like this, but I'm not certain how else to go about it. All along, I've been choosing universities based on where , authors of relevant articles in my specialization are teaching. Most recently, I have started doing Google searches as well, with minimal success. Basically, I have a list of about 10 universities, and I guess about eight of them are "famous." Honestly, I wouldn't know, but that's what a former professor has told me. This professor thinks I should choose "second-tier" universities to add to my list to increase my chances of admission. I have checked the ratings of some of these colleges, and yes, some of them are highly ranked. Based on Google searches, I've found about four more that are not so highly ranked, but I'm also not sure of the fit. I am searching for universities that have at least one professor researching speculative fiction- science fiction or fantasy, as well as alternate history. Feminism and race are also interests.

Anyone know anything at all about UC Riverside's Comparative Literature program?

Hi Rose Egypt, I just contacted a POI for the first time. It is a little intimidating, but I am approaching POIs like I would a professor I currently have or one whose course I will be taking, with slightly more formality. I list the season and year I am applying for, give a brief overview of my interests/research plans, and then describe how my work is similar to theirs. I am mentioning specific theories and (especially!) specific papers so they know I have read their work.

Theoretically, acarol and ComeBackZinc, I completely agree with your advice to pursue my interests, and/or experience in my subfield. However, I have absolutely no experience with theory except that which I've gained by doing my own research and incorporating theory into my recent papers. I feel I am at a disadvantage in this respect. I think that two theory courses would help to offset that disadvantage. But it may be a moot point- I may have to take the course in history in order to satisfy a core requirement. Thanks for your thoughts.

I am finishing up my M.A. in Liberal Studies; In the fall have a choice between a course that surveys the history of ethnic and religious minorities in the United States, "Discourse Analysis," and a course that surveys changes in the English language. The latter two are linguistics classes. I have no intention at this point of pursuing linguistics, but it is an interest. Discourse Analysis sounds intriguing and, possibly, useful. Any thoughts on which of these courses would best position me for admission to a PhD in English? Otherwise, my degree is well rounded, and I'll be taking a theory course in the winter.

Would having multiple scholarships from one's alma mater (for an M.A. at the same institution I received my B.A. at 5+ years ago) assist me in my chances of receiving competitive aid with a PhD offer? If so, what should I emphasize about these awards, or how should I list them?

Well, I am ignorant of Yale's program s benefits other than its prestige, but I am fairly certain I am not interested.

Really? I am wondering why this is, as I am exploring Canadian institutions for my PhD. If you would be willing to give me more information, even through PM, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Mostly, I am still researching programs for fit. I'm also thinking of applying for a Fulbright. I haven't gotten around to rewriting my SOP or revising my writing sample yet.

Hahahahaha. My advisor (whom I have known for seven years) told me I was "trolling"for opportunities.